Two men, identified as Tshepho Selowe (39) and Sipho Mgwenya (49), were shot and killed by a group of unknown people in Marite on Monday May 15.
A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the two victims were sitting at a car wash in the area when another vehicle drove up, and shots were fired. “After the shots, they fled, and the victims were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The Calcutta Police Station is investigating two counts of murder,” he said.

ALSO READ: Marite community says police are scared of thugs who target businesses

Both victims have been identified by their respective families. The investigation is still ongoing with no arrests to date. Mdhluli requested anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS App. All information will be handled confidentially.
The deceased’s families told Mpumalanga News that they are still shocked by these deaths, and pleaded with the police to do whatever they can to find the killers.

Selowe’s family member, Tumelo Mokoena, said the victim had previously told him there were people who wanted him dead, as he was in a highly volatile taxi business. “We advised him to leave all positions he held in the industry and just concentrate on running his business. He promised he would, but they took his life before he could resign. It is very difficult to believe that he is gone,” he said.

ALSO READ: Police officer allegedly kills wife and her two siblings in KaMajika

Family and friends said Selowe would be remembered as someone who was always willing to assist his family members. “He was a cheerful person, a game changer, always striving for success. He started as a taxi driver and ended up owning three taxis.” Selowe leaves behind three children, his wife, three sisters and his mother. The funeral was on Sunday May 21.

Meanwhile, Sipho Mgwenya’s sister, Maria, described her brother as someone who was overly protective of his family, and lived his life to the fullest. “He was a pillar of strength for the entire family, and we always felt safe around him. We hope the police will catch his killers and maybe they will tell us why they killed him so that we can get closure,” she said.
The Mgwenya family preferred not to disclose the number of children he had, but mentioned that he was survived by his sister, two brothers and other extended family members. He was buried on Saturday May 20.